Forestville, WI – When you combine passion, skills, knowledge, friends and fishing, it adds up to the tradition known as the National Professional Anglers Association annual conference. Set for Jan. 8-10 in Wisconsin Dells, the conference is the “kick-off” to the winter sport show season and the New Fishing Year. Those who are passionate about the sport are invited including average anglers, fishing club members, industry leaders, professional anglers, guides, and fishing educators.

NPAA executive director Pat Neu said, “We are experiencing an exceptional response to the upcoming conference. The new venue at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells with its huge waterpark is attracting families, but so is the all-star line-up of speakers.” Special lodging rates are available at Chula Vista with code: NPAA2016.

The keynote speaker is president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association, Mike Nussman. Passion flows from the podium when he speaks. The ASA is the recreational fishing industry’s trade association, hosting the largest fishing tackle trade show annually, ICAST. They also conduct consumer outdoor fishing and marine shows in Minneapolis, Chicago and other regions. “What’s good for the sport is good for the country and the millions of people who love being outdoors,” Nussman said.

Advance Registration is required and includes all the educational sessions, tackle, tournament and marine displays, an opportunity to meet and talk with industry leaders, two meals and admission to the Future Angler Foundation Benefit Banquet. Contact Ashley at npaa@npaa.net or 937-698-4188 to register for the Conference or the Banquet. Non-members who attend the Conference and join NPAA by the end of January will see $50 of their registration fee go towards their first year membership.

The Future Angler Foundation (FAF) Benefit Banquet is an annual fund raising event sponsored by Yamaha Motor Company and Skeeter Boats, with all funds raised going to support hundreds of youth events held by the NPAA and other angling groups throughout the year. Admission to the benefit banquet is included with admission to the conference or tickets can be purchased separately for $20. Silent auction item donations for the event are being accepted on Friday and Saturday at the NPAA Conference.

Bob Luellen, owner of Worldwide Marine Insurance, has added significantly to this year’s FAF auction. Last year he donated a complete set of Walleye In-Sider magazines that sold for $4,000. This year, he donated every issue of In-Fisherman magazine from 1975 to 2015, an entire collection of Walleye In-Siders and the entire collection of Walleye Guides. The entire collections are all housed in custom cedar storage boxes. One successful bidder win this entire collection and will also spend a day on the water with Al Lindner, legendary TV Host, angler educator, author and NPAA lifetime honorary member. A video by Al Linder explaining this auction can be viewed on the NPAA website at www.npaa.net. New this year: bidders not on site may bid on this collection right up to auction closing time (contact Ashley at the NPAA offices to set this up)

Neu said, “The conference speakers are experts in their fields and willingly share their knowledge. The best promoters in the angling sport teach what they’ve learned. Plus, the technical wizards help anglers understand electronics and other high-tech gear. New 2016 products are unveiled, many for the first time at the conference. Set your sights on the Dells.” Registration details are available by calling Ashley Garland or going to www.npaa.net.

About the National Professional Anglers Association

The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is a non-profit, member-based association dedicated to sportfishing. Its membership is composed of professional guides, tournament anglers, angler educators and sportfishing/marine industry professionals who are passionate about the sport.

The NPAA’s mission is: “To increase the professionalism of our members as we work to grow and protect sportfishing.“